Chapter 255: The Maddening Deity's Treasure

Chapter 255: The Maddening Deity's Treasure



If there were other options, Marquis Ming Tian would never have reported to the clan. If he were to lead the operation himself, he would reap the majority of the benefits.

After all, it was the legacy of a Fire Deity, containing the hope of becoming a deity.

If he reported to the clan? Once the clan mobilized powerful forces, his final share would be pitifully small.

The amount of effort put in determines the rewards received, an unchanging truth since ancient times.

Most crucially, Marquis Ming Tian’s relationship with the clan was not good. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to the distant Moonward Divine Kingdom to establish his own fief.

The Moonward Divine Kingdom was very ordinary among the many nations and sects of the Immortal Ruins Civilization.

At the pinnacle of the entire Immortal Ruins Civilization stood the great Immortal Sects and Divine Clans.

Marquis Ming Tian came from a powerful divine clan.

But now, Marquis Ming Tian had no choice. The forces he could mobilize had already been reduced by more than half... The remaining forces were no match for the Seven Star Civilization.

Thinking of this, he sighed.

Whoosh! Marquis Ming Tian waved his hand, and a peculiar device the size of a table appeared before him. Immediately, streams of Demigod Rank Source Power flew out, flooding into the device, and quickly, a faint glow appeared on it.

Whish~ A large amount of light shot out from the device, forming a massive light screen projection above it.

The projection was pitch black.

Time ticked by, and Marquis Ming Tian waited patiently. After more than ten minutes, a buzzing sound came from the projection, and the figure of an old man appeared.

He was equally tall, clad in heavy armor, and the most striking feature was the dark red horn on his head, similar to Marquis Ming Tian’s.

Just from their appearances, they were clearly of the same race.

“Marquis Ming Tian, it’s been a long time,” the old man with the horn said coldly, his voice filled with a sense of detachment.

“Tai Shu Gong,” Marquis Ming Tian suppressed his anger and bowed slightly.

“I dare not accept such a title,” the old man with the horn said indifferently.

“Tai Shu Gong, I was wrong before,” Marquis Ming Tian lowered his head, his voice heavy. “This time, I am contacting the clan because I have a great opportunity and need the clan’s support.”

“A great opportunity?” The old man with the horn narrowed his eyes. “Tell me more.”

“It was my subordinate who, while exploring a star realm, accidentally discovered the remains of a Fire Deity. However, there is another Tier 4 civilization, the Seven Star Civilization... I originally planned to occupy it initially and then report to the clan.” Marquis Ming Tian said in a low voice. “But now, the Seven Star Civilization is arrogant, and I hope the clan can provide some resources.”

The old man with the horn’s face showed a mysterious smile, revealing no emotions.

He had lived for hundreds of years and could easily discern Marquis Ming Tian’s intentions.

Report to the clan after initial occupation? Nonsense. If Marquis Ming Tian could occupy it with his own strength, the clan probably wouldn’t even hear about it.

Marquis Ming Tian was merely seeking help.

But the old man with the horn wouldn’t expose his thoughts. After all, it was a significant benefit... or rather, a fellow clansman.

The treasure of a Fire Deity!

“Chizhi Sa,” the old man with the horn said gently. “When you ascended to the Demigod Rank, I presided over your ascension ceremony. It’s been over a hundred years.”

Chizhi Sa was Marquis Ming Tian’s real name.

“Tai Shu Gong has always been kind to me since childhood,” Marquis Ming Tian said, taking the opportunity to agree.

Since childhood? They met for the first time when Marquis Ming Tian became a Sky Ascendant.

“I have always believed in your character. Someone must have interfered with your last matter,” the old man with the horn said with a gentle smile. “I will order an investigation. Now that you have discovered the remains of a Fire Deity and still reported to the clan, it shows your loyalty. That’s really commendable.”

“Tai Shu Gong flatters me,” Marquis Ming Tian said sincerely.

“Mm.”

“I will send you a ‘Civilization Contract’ next. After signing it, you can send back all the intelligence you have. The clan will provide the maximum support based on the situation.” The old man with the horn said. “Once we succeed, 10% of the treasures from the Deity’s Remains will be given to you.”

“Of course, if your forces can still play a significant role, your share can be increased accordingly. What do you think?” the old man with the horn asked.

“I have no problem. Contributing to the clan is my duty,” Marquis Ming Tian said with a smile, though his heart was bleeding.

10%?

He should have gotten more than 50%.

Of course, Marquis Ming Tian wasn’t worried that the old man with the horn would try to take even the 10%... The Civilization Contract was a supreme existence in the Immortal Ruins Civilization. Once publicly signed, it must be adhered to.

Even if we take a step back.

For the entire clan, the legacy of a Fire Deity, though valuable, is not worth risking the clan’s reputation.

Before the agreement, the clan’s higher-ups would squeeze, but once the agreement was made... they would definitely follow through.

Without trust, a person cannot stand.

Without rules, a clan cannot exist.

The Chizhi Divine Clan has stood for tens of thousands of years in the Immortal Ruins Civilization, allowing Marquis Ming Tian, despite leaving, to still contact the clan first and trust that the clan would not deceive him... naturally, they have their own set of operational rules.

Time passed.

Marquis Ming Tian quickly transmitted all the intelligence he knew to the old man with the horn.

his figure then disappeared.

Marquis Ming Tian stood in place.

He knew that the old man with the horn was contacting other demigods in the divine clan, and might even contact the supreme deity.

Chizhi Divine Clan.

Indeed, a clan that dares to be a divine clan, the Chizhi Divine Clan, has a deity behind it.

Time ticked by.

Half an hour later.

“Chizhi Sa.

"The figure of the One-Horned Elder appeared once more."

"Tai Shu Gong," Ming Tian Marquis respectfully addressed him.

"Five days." The One-Horned Elder spoke softly, "From the Divine Race's territory to your Moonward Divine Kingdom, it will also take time... Plus, gathering our elite forces, they will arrive within five days."

"Good." Ming Tian Marquis nodded hurriedly.

Five days? He could afford to wait.

"Tai Shu Gong, who are you sending?" Ming Tian Marquis couldn't help but ask.

"Three Demigod-level geniuses, all from the Fire Deity lineage, will venture into the Divine Palace Ruins." The One-Horned Elder spoke softly, "These are all the Demigod-level geniuses in the first tier of our clan."

"All of them?" Ming Tian Marquis was taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "No Divine Son-level geniuses?"

"Do you think Divine Son-level geniuses are easily found?" The One-Horned Elder glanced at him, "Being a Divine Son-level genius, they naturally wouldn't stay in the first tier for long... To find one whose life stage is just right, how rare is that? Nowadays, even if our entire Immortal Ruins Civilization were to search for a Divine Son-level genius of the first tier, we might only be able to find one among the three great Immortal Ruins civilizations."

"Moreover, even if they have one, they may not be from the Fire Deity lineage, and the probability of obtaining the treasure might not be higher." The One-Horned Elder explained.

Ming Tian Marquis was speechless, but upon reflection, he felt it was reasonable; he had just assumed it.

Divine Son-level geniuses held high status even within the Divine Race's Immortal Ruins.

"I understand your concern. Are you afraid they won't be a match for Li Yuan?"

"Just a fourth-level civilization genius." The One-Horned Elder said, "We will make thorough preparations. By then, their strength will far surpass Mo Hu."

"You should understand that there are significant differences among Demigod-level geniuses."

"I understand." Ming Tian Marquis nodded slightly.

Just like Flying Heaven Warriors or Demigods, there would naturally be a considerable gap in strength.

"Additionally, we have prepared 300 apprentice Source Warriors."

"You should gather a group of first-tier Warriors to join the assault together."

"Of course, we must also make alternative plans to obtain the treasure." The One-Horned Elder spoke slowly, "Our clan has also prepared several Source Warrior geniuses, who will enter the Fiery Plume Star Realm... to face the Source Warrior geniuses of the Seven Stars Civilization."

"However, their role is to protect the three Demigod-level geniuses, not to engage in life-and-death battles with the Source Warrior geniuses of the Seven Stars Civilization." The One-Horned Elder explained, "Our goal is the treasure. If we were to fight in the Star Realm, we wouldn't have the confidence to defeat a powerful fourth-level civilization that has produced numerous Demigods... It wouldn't be very meaningful."

"Yes." Ming Tian Marquis replied.

He also felt that the One-Horned Elder's words made sense.

Ming Tian Marquis's forces had suffered heavy casualties, which made him extremely angry, but he wasn't angry about the deaths of his subordinates; he was furious about the loss of his chance to obtain the treasure on his own.

Ming Tian Marquis never had the consciousness to avenge his fallen subordinates.

For him, obtaining the Divine treasure was the top priority.

The rest? Unimportant.

Contending for the Fiery Plume Star Realm's territory? He must have been kicked in the head to fight for the territory of a desolate Star Realm.

Soon.

The communication between Ming Tian Marquis and the One-Horned Elder was cut off.

"Three Demigod-level geniuses? Will they succeed?" Ming Tian Marquis muttered to himself, "That Li Yuan is truly monstrous."

After so long, he had also discovered that the one who entered the Star Realm from the Seven Stars Civilization was 'Li Yuan'.

"Forget it, I can only trust our clan's judgment."

"Hmph!"

"Within the Divine Kingdom, those who are waiting to see me humiliated are probably numerous." Ming Tian Marquis thought to himself, "The timing of the Seven Stars Civilization's attack was so precise... It's likely that a Demigod sold me out."

With the actions of the four Demigods causing such a ruckus, many Demigods within the Divine Kingdom were paying attention.

"This time, with our clan's reinforcements coming, I won't let anyone laugh at me."

...

Fiery Plume Star Realm.

On a desolate mountain range about 7,000 kilometers away from the Seven Stars Civilization's breeding area.

Six figures gathered in a canyon between two mountains.

"The mission is basically complete." Rudnef, with his messy hair and domineering aura, had slightly red eyes as he spoke in a deep voice, "We have killed six Flying Heaven Warriors and four apprentice Flying Heaven Warriors, dealing a severe blow to the Moonward Divine Kingdom."

Wugama nong, Yu Jinghe, and the others listened silently.

"However..."

"We also suffered casualties. Abbott and Yan Junling died in battle." Rudnef spoke in a low voice, "Most of the life-saving items we carried have been used up."

"We should prepare to retreat."

Everyone nodded slightly, feeling a bit depressed... Even though they had anticipated casualties, when their companions truly died, they still felt a bit sad.

Abbott was a Source Warrior genius who was ordered to come and fight.

Yan Junling, one of the two Flying Heaven Warriors left behind by the Flame Clan in the Fiery Plume Star Realm... Regardless of his original purpose for staying behind.

But judging by actions, not intentions, he had proven himself with his actions.

"Jinghe." Rudnef suddenly looked at Yu Jinghe and sighed, "After I break through, you will become our Seven Stars Civilization's first Source Warrior."

"This time, if it weren't for your critical moment of eruption, blocking Usman, we would have lost at least two more."

Whoosh! Whoosh! Everyone looked at Yu Jinghe, their eyes filled with admiration.

Abbott and Yan Junling both died in the final battle.

In that battle, two terrifying Source Warrior geniuses emerged from the Moonward Divine Kingdom—Oga and Usman.

In terms of skill level, they were slightly inferior to Rudnef.

But Rudnef was most skilled in assassination, not direct combat against ten opponents... Coincidentally, Oga and Usman had cultivated powerful divine bodies, and their offensive power was fierce and vast.

Additionally, they were assisted by other Flying Heaven-level Warriors from the Moonward Divine Kingdom.

At the critical moment,

Yu Jinghe erupted, turning the tide and blocking the ferocious Usman, allowing Tavares and Wugama nong to retreat first.

"This is what I should do." Yu Jinghe looked at the other party and couldn't help but say, "Rudnef, are you sure you want to break through?"

"Yes."

"I've been stuck in the Source Warrior Realm for a long time." Rudnef spoke in a deep voice, "And I'm not afraid to tell you, I've awakened the sixth star vein... It's time to break through."

Six star veins? Everyone showed surprise, as they naturally understood what this meant.

This almost meant that with Rudnef's innate talent for comprehension, once he broke through, he would undoubtedly become a terrifying figure among the Skysoar ranks in the future.

"Let's go, let's head back." Rudnef said.

Whoosh! Six beams of light shot into the sky and flew towards the war base thousands of kilometers away.

...

The battle raged on in the outside world.

But within the Boundary Within Boundary, in the depths of the 'Heritage Hall', there was tranquility.

Li Yuan had been integrating the vast amount of information for an entire day, and finally, he regained consciousness.

He opened his eyes.

"This? This!" Li Yuan's thoughts stirred, and countless ideas and various methods flooded into his mind, as if they were innate memories passed down from his ancestors.

It was incredibly mystical.

"I can clearly understand many powerful Star Arts, but I seem unable to express them." Li Yuan realized this point, and in the depths of his consciousness, there seemed to be an invisible restriction.

For the time being, he could only learn them himself and couldn't teach them to others.

But it was already amazing.

"It truly lives up to being a Deity's heritage." Li Yuan marveled silently: No wonder the two civilizations are going crazy over it.

Li Yuan wasn't sure if powerful beings in the civilizations, like Dongfang Ji, Lant, and Bai Shan Demigod, had obtained similar heritages... But at least, the Star Arts he could access in the Starfire Treasury were far inferior to those left by his master, 'Torch God'.

"Are you awake? How do you feel?" The girl stood beside him with her little bare feet, her skirt swaying.

"Very powerful." Li Yuan replied.

"My father left behind numerous Star Arts, but the true core is only these two Ninefold Star Arts, 'True Explanation of Earth Star Meridian' and 'Universal Divine Body'. These are the two Ninefold Star Arts I hope you can truly master." The girl's bright eyes turned towards Li Yuan.

"The 'True Explanation of Earth Star Meridian' is an extremely famous 'Ultimate Enlightenment Star Art' in the Dimensional Realm. It can greatly enhance your compatibility with the Earth's Law. If you can truly cultivate it to a high level, your chances of becoming a Deity will increase significantly." The girl explained.

"Even the Deities value this Star Art?" Li Yuan exclaimed.

Li Yuan was determined, "I will continue to work hard in my cultivation and strive to enter the Second Tier as soon as possible."

"Mhm."

"You've just reached the limit of the First Tier, and the effects aren't very obvious yet. But once you reach the limits of the Second Tier, Third Tier, and Fourth Tier... the benefits will become more and more exaggerated." The girl looked at Li Yuan, "You'll understand later."

Gu You already knew that Li Yuan had awakened a Ninefold Star Vein and was cultivating the 'True Explanation of Earth Star Meridian'.

"The 'Universal Divine Body' is an ancient and powerful Star Art that combines body protection and power outbursts. Its might is boundless." Gu You's eyes held a hint of reminiscence, "Back then, after my father cultivated it to a high level, his strength soared, and he roamed the various realms with ease. He had even defeated several Deities."

Several Deities defeated? Li Yuan was secretly astonished.

It seemed that his master's strength was not to be underestimated among the Deities.

"Sister, did our master only know two Ninefold Star Arts?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.

"Only two?"

Gu You was taken aback and stared at Li Yuan with a strange look, "Li Yuan, do you think Ninefold Star Arts are like cabbages? Do you know how rare it is to cultivate two Ultimate Star Arts?"

Li Yuan was speechless.

"Your ability to awaken a Ninefold Star Vein is also why I chose you... But in the future, if you can awaken another Ninefold Star Vein, I will be extremely satisfied." Gu You nodded her little head, "You'll understand later."

"Mhm, mhm." Li Yuan nodded obediently.

In his heart, he was thinking, 'Ninefold Star Vein? If there are no surprises, when my spiritual awakening reaches 50%, I will awaken another Perfect Star Vein.'

However, he decided to stay low-key!

One must stay low-key.

"You can't cultivate this Ninefold Star Art, 'Universal Divine Body', yet." Gu You said, "So, our master specially left behind the Sevenfold Star Art, 'Earth Divine Body', and the Fivefold Star Art, 'Star Mystic Body', which are closely related to the 'Universal Divine Body'."

"The 'Earth Divine Body' is a simplified version."

"The 'Star Mystic Body' is a super simplified version... You can cultivate the 'Star Mystic Body' during the Source Warrior stage, and as your Star Vein becomes stronger, you can gradually cultivate the 'Earth Divine Body', and eventually the 'Universal Divine Body'. The cultivation of these three Divine Bodies is compatible and doesn't conflict with each other." Gu You spoke with a heavy heart.

"Okay." Li Yuan nodded.

According to Li Yuan's knowledge, most Source Warriors, due to their limited Star Vein awakening, could only cultivate Triple Star Arts.

Some top-tier geniuses often cultivated one or two Fivefold or Sixfold Star Arts.

If he could cultivate the Sevenfold Star Art, 'Earth Divine Body', it would be enough to dominate the Source Warrior stage.

However, cultivating Divine Bodies was extremely challenging. Besides having a high cultivation level and a strong Star Vein, one often needed various external treasures to assist in the cultivation.

"As for the other Star Arts."

"There are a total of nine Star Arts, ranging from Sixfold to Eightfold, including the domain Star Art, 'Nine Radiant Void', the escape technique, 'Beam of Light', and the killing Star Art, 'Star Annihilation'. You don't need to rush to cultivate them. Wait until your strength increases, and then choose the ones that suit you." Gu You said, "Cultivating the Divine Body is the top priority.

"The Divine Body is powerful, and your direct combat power will reach astonishing heights, allowing you to survive in many dangerous situations."

Li Yuan listened intently.

He had to take his sister's instructions seriously.

"In addition to the Star Art inheritance..."

"There are some other things." The girl flipped her palm, and a strange light emanated from a jade lamp in her palm, "Come, focus your divine consciousness on the wick of the lamp."

"Yes." Li Yuan immediately complied, and his mind had already swept over the jade lamp.

A sizzling sound echoed as if he had been burned. Li Yuan felt his soul tremble and sensed a faint connection with the jade lamp before him.

"This thing is called a 'Soul Lamp,' and it can sense the location of your soul." The girl looked at Li Yuan, and a hint of worry flashed in her eyes, "As long as you're in this realm, I can confirm your life or death through the Soul Lamp."

"So amazing?" Li Yuan was secretly surprised. It was indeed an incredible method.

"Sister, what is this realm?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.

"You come from the Seven Star Civilization, and the starry sky where your civilization resides, the 'Seven Stars Sea,' is a dimensional plane. Each plane has its strengths and weaknesses, big and small... When multiple planes intersect, it is called a dimensional realm." The girl explained, "Your realm has also given birth to some powerful deities... But it's not related to you for now."

"For deities to cross planes and reach other dimensional planes is extremely difficult."

Li Yuan held his breath.

So, the entire Seven Stars Sea was a dimensional plane.

In that case, were other alien civilizations located in other dimensional planes?

Huh!

The girl waved her hand again, and with a rumbling sound, the 'Universal Stellar Map' on the side of the distant temple instantly flew up, then rapidly shrunk and merged into the void, leaving behind a thin silver plate that eventually disappeared.

Whoosh! The thin silver plate flew and hovered in front of Li Yuan.

"This?" Li Yuan stared at the thin plate.

It was similar to his own storage treasure.

"The Universal Stellar Map is an auxiliary treasure for enlightenment, and it's incredibly mystical." The girl looked at Li Yuan, "I've sealed it in this storage treasure. After you recognize it, you can use your divine consciousness to observe it... It will help you quickly grasp the true intention and eventually cross the threshold of the law."

"But you can't take it out. It's of great importance, and you must not leak any information about it. Do you understand?" The girl instructed.

"Yes." Li Yuan nodded solemnly.

After personally experiencing the Universal Stellar Map, he naturally understood how mystical this treasure was.

"Finally, a few more things."

Whoosh!

The girl waved her hand again, and a black long spear appeared in mid-air. It looked very familiar, similar to the Black Heaven Spear.

There was also a black crystal stone the size of a fist, and its purpose was unknown.

The last item was a purple jade tablet.

"This is a weapon I chose specifically for you after observing your weapon style. It's a fourth-tier weapon, and it can also be called a semi-divine artifact." The girl said softly, "The key is that its power is very restrained, and it can perfectly match any master's strength... At least it's enough for you to use until you reach the Skysoar realm."

Semi-divine artifact? Li Yuan was surprised as he looked at the black long spear, which didn't show any signs of being a semi-divine artifact.

Indeed, it was very restrained.

It was the perfect choice for an assassin, allowing other strong individuals to underestimate it. Li Yuan liked it.

"This crystal stone is a life-saving object I've chosen for you. Use it, and you can almost kill all below the Skysoar realm, except for some extremely powerful Skysoar warriors." The girl said solemnly, "But remember, I will only give you this life-saving object before you become a Demigod and perfectly control the Heritage Hall."

"So, use it with caution."

"Almost kill all below the Demigod realm?" Li Yuan held his breath as he looked at the black crystal stone.

A great killing artifact!

In the entire Seven Star Civilization, there was no technological weapon that could guarantee the defeat of all strong individuals below the Demigod realm.

Not to mention a single-piece weapon like this.

"The last item is a token. Even if you leave the Boundary Within Boundary, as long as you can return to the Fiery Plume Star Realm, you can use this token to smoothly return." The girl looked at Li Yuan.

"Star Art, enlightenment treasure, weapon, life-saving object, and token... I've given you everything I should."

"The path to deity and the law is incredibly difficult. You can't achieve godhood through seclusion alone. You have to experience the wonders of the world to reach the end." There was a hint of worry in the girl's eyes, but her voice was cold, "Only then can you walk to the very end."

"If you eventually die on the path to godhood..."

"Then, I'll help Father choose another direct disciple." The girl said slowly.

Li Yuan lowered his head, muttering to himself.

Another one? One is enough.

"Sister, how do I return when I achieve the Skysoar realm?" Li Yuan asked curiously.

"That's what I wanted to tell you next."

"When you reach the pinnacle of the Source Warrior realm, don't rush to break through. Come back to the Boundary Within Boundary first." The girl looked at Li Yuan, "At that time, if you can pass Father's second test..."

"It means you have initially controlled the Heritage Hall."

"A second test?" Li Yuan was stunned.

"Do you think you've received all of Father's legacy?" The girl shook her head, "You need to be strong enough to gradually receive these treasures."

"I'll be your sister and watch over them for you."

"I'll always wait here for you." The girl smiled at Li Yuan.

"What is the requirement for the second test?" Li Yuan was curious.

"It's not difficult."

"When you can kill a Skysoar warrior with a single move, you should be close."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end